Nike Air Max, Adidas Stan Smith, Converse, Under Armor The 25 Most Iconic Sneakers Ever

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The athletes Arturo Casado and July Takacs propose several keys that can guide us if we are not very clear which one to stay with. Among them, the cushioning, and the 'drop'.

Defining, in the same phrase, a shoe as a sports shoe could well be a pleonasm. At the end of the day, almost in the very meaning of the word the performance of some kind of exercise is implicit. However, and more so in these times, its use has spread to so many other areas, that it is by no means exclusive to physical activity today.

We are not only talking about walking or strolling, it is a type of footwear that has known how to regenerate and adapt to the times to the point that it is already part of the most popular urban cultures and continues to create trends as an essential complement to looks. newest.

Such is the proliferation of brands and models of the so-called sneakers, that the large amounts of money generated each year in this market are not strange. In Spain alone, sports footwear moved 1,560 million euros in 2019, according to a report by the consultancy NPD Sports Tracking Europe.

There is no doubt that the inspiration, the seed from which all the immense catalog that is available today flows is sport. Or where else did the Nike Air Jordan, the Converse Chuck Taylor, the Adidas Stan Smith or the Tiger Onitsuka Mexico 66 come from?

But finding the right shoe model is not always easy. To the tastes of each one, which are often associated with a particular brand or the aesthetics they project, are added aspects as important as thinking that this type of footwear is what connects us with the ground.

And this has a lot to do with the fact that, sometimes, we also forget that the feet are the ones that support our body, and many times we force them to adapt to the footwear, when it should be the other way around. And it is not a matter that is not unimportant: according to a report prepared by the main podiatry institutions in the country (CGOCP, Sebior and the Spanish Sports Podiatry), wearing bad footwear causes a risk of suffering sports injuries of more or less 50%. .

What's more, 80% of athletes tread badly and 33% wear non-customized insoles. In addition, the most frequent bodily injuries occur to the foot, thigh and knee, and around 65% occur when You are running, so the sports shoe is, on the one hand, a preventive element and, on the other, a factor that causes injuries.

For the athletes Arturo Casado and July Takacs it is a fundamental piece of their day to day and their main work tool. Even still for the one that he was European champion of the 1,500 meter dash in Barcelona in 2010, that he almost continues training as if he were going to compete in a great test. The two champions suggest four keys when choosing the shoe that is best for us.

COMFORT According to the man from Madrid, a comfortable shoe has always been associated with a lower risk of injury. And very important: "If the previous pair was good, that is, they felt comfortable and had no discomfort, they should choose that same type of model. Sometimes it is better not to get too caught up in fashions since, removing when technology The model suddenly changes a lot, the benefits are not going to change much in the short term", explains the long-distance runner.

SIZE. How many times, when trying on a shoe, have you touched the tip to see where the big toe falls? "It's very important that you don't touch the toe inside, because this can cause injuries, blisters and discomfort," Casado continues, and Takacs adds: "They shouldn't squeeze. The foot should have room."

CUSHIONING. The Olympic walker, bronze at the European Championships in Berlin 2018, in the 50 km walk modality, thinks that it is key, for example, depending on the type of activity you are going to do. "Although it is something very personal. If the sole is too thin, it wears out faster and can be more damaging. The best thing is that it is neither too soft nor too hard," he explains. According to Arturo Casado, "good cushioning is recommended for beginners. For more experienced, if they have used shoes with little cushioning and are not very heavy, they can also use them, although in principle I do not recommend minimalists due to the risk of injury," he estimates.

DROP. It is a somewhat technical term and focused on more professional levels. However, for Casado it is also essential. "The Drop is the difference between the height of the shoe in the heel with respect to the front part of the foot. I recommend that this drop be reduced, of no more than 10 mm", warns the athlete, who remembers that the laces do not they must tie very hard because they can damage the extensors of the feet and the tibialis anterior.

USE. You should always keep in mind what you are going to use the shoes for. Running is not the same as playing basketball, tennis or, when possible, going out into the mountains. It could be said that today each discipline has a specific design, adapted to each of them. For this reason, "I never recommend using the shoes that I already use for running in other sports, such as soccer. But I do recommend walking, because there is no impact while walking, which is what deteriorates a shoe the most," confirms Casado.

In many cases, aesthetics prevails. And not always to look for originality. "Before, I would check that they did not have very bright colors so as not to attract the attention of the judges. It is not that they pay attention to the model you are wearing, but, inevitably, if you are wearing something that is phosphorescent, your eyes will accidentally go away. Even so, finding models with more sober tones is more complicated and, oddly enough, there is less to choose from", acknowledges July Takacs.

If you are one of those who is looking for a new model and you are still not sure, here are 20 shoe-shaped ideas that can surely help you choose the one that best suits your feet. They come in all sizes and for all ages.

ONITSUKA TIGER MEXICO 66

It is a classic that never goes out of style. They are the mythical shoes that Bruce Lee wore in his last film Game of Death, which he could not finish because he died earlier, and the ones that Uma Thurman also wore in Kill Bill, as a tribute, as Quentin Tarantino likes.

They were created on the occasion of the Olympic Games that give them their name and, since then, they have created a trend. Over time, the Japanese firm (today Asics) continues to dress the feet of multiple athletes. In particular, this model is made of leather on the outside and its lining is made of fabric. The sole is rubber and the heel is flat. Although yellow is the iconic model, it is available in various colors.

You can buy them here from 49.95 euros.

NEW BALANCE 990V5

The popularity of this brand is such that it has almost created an exclusive style of shoe, recognizable by the vast majority of users, to the point that you can see many models from other brands that seem to be exact copies of the genuine NB design. There are designs that enjoy the absolute support of their users. The 990 are almost a cult object within its wide range with almost three decades on the market. It belongs to the firm's Made in US line, they combine cushioning, stability and, as the brand itself states, they can be worn both on a catwalk and in morning runs.

You can buy them here from 179.95 euros.

SKECHERS ULTRA FLEX 2.0

Although it has not been on the Spanish market for too long, it has carved a niche for itself in the shoe rack of our homes. The combination of light materials, such as canvas and fabric in its preparation, as well as how comfortable they are for any type of exercise, has led to its important progress. This particular model is ultra flexible, its sole is made of rubber and it has a heel height of 3 centimeters.

Buy them here from 55.91 euros.

NIKE AIR MAX 90 ESSENTIAL

It is possibly the most successful shoe model in history. Created in the late '80s by sneaker guru Tinker Hatfield and partner with Michael Jordan and his successful line, they remain the world's best-selling pair of sneakers. Its exposed air chamber was a revolution for the sector at the time. A success that lasts to this day thanks to Nike, which has been able to adapt to the times without losing its original essence. It happens with this model, for example, whose outer material is leather, the lining, synthetic; and the sole, rubber. It could be said that it is a classic. Yes, that's true, but it's so current that its characteristic cushioning design remains unbeatable.

Buy them here from 90.01 euros.

MUNICH WAVE POP 09

This brand is a clear example of how you can go from parquet to asphalt and not die trying. Especially since a firm like Munich, for years, has been linked to sports disciplines related to football. His stud boots are still a cult object for many footballers and fans. But their expansion has been such that we find them in multiple fashion catalogs linked to lifestyle, as is the case with this Wave Pop model. Comfortable and safe, since its rubber sole facilitates adherence to the ground. Its bright colors combine with almost everything.

Buy them here from 108.95 euros.

VANS SK8 HI PLATFORM 2.0

Although they are not new models, there are several versions of the Vans firm that have been identified with numerous urban movements. With skateboarding, mainly. However, at present, this firm enjoys the approval of adolescents, who do not hesitate to combine this type of shoe with the most street looks as a hallmark.

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Whether they are the classic Old Skool, the Slip-on or this same model of the Ski8-Hi, they combine simplicity and comfort, as well as support and extra padding, in this specific case, for the ankle, one of the areas most prone to injury. among the skaters

Buy them here from 85 euros.

MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 3

The Merrell firm has traditionally been associated with the conquest of open spaces. There are multiple models that have been linked to this and that can be a great option to prepare for the walks that will come when the confinement ends. Of course, they are focused for trekking that is not too demanding. All in all, this brand is another example of image regeneration, since, thanks to the materials used in their manufacture (leather, for example), they are very comfortable shoes, with an attractive design and versatile. But they have also successfully entered the world of running with models like this one, the Vapor Globe 3, ideal for asphalt, with a rubber outer material and synthetic lining.

Buy them here from 81.24 euros.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1

It is one of the models that have come back with the same or more force than when they originally went on the market, back in the early 80s. Although they were born as footwear linked to basketball, specifically, to the NBA, they soon made the leap to the street, not only as another type of comfortable shoe, but as practically the germ of the current sneaker culture that exists today, establishing itself as a hallmark of multiple urban styles. It is one of the most reinterpreted and most successful Nike models in its history.

Buy them here from 99.99 euros.

ON CLOUD

The firm On, which boasts of having the best Swiss technology, claims that its users will run as if they were stepping on a cloud. In addition to their attractiveness and particular style, they are characterized by their lightness and high performance, whether for training or medium-high intensity races. There are multiple models, each one more attractive and functional.

You can choose yours here from 105 euros.

GEOX B RISHON BOY

The choice of footwear at an early age is not a trivial matter. Above all because of how it is chosen, this is how the future steps of our little ones will be. For this reason, it is always recommended that the chosen footwear fits the foot well and provides the necessary security for those first uncontrolled attempts to walk. This Geox model fulfills this function. With Velcro closure; Fabric lining and synthetic outer material, it has a 2 cm heel height and is available in various bright colours.

Buy them here from 34.90 euros.

REEBOK R CROSSFIT NANO 9

Crossfit is one of the most popular athletic modalities today. So much so that, during this period of isolation, it is becoming one of the sports disciplines that is more practiced at home. The main reason is that rather little is needed to carry out your exercises. Your body, you win and little else. And that is where the shoes come in, which become the only support implement for carrying out this type of training. This Reebok model is aimed at all those users who want to combine optimal performance and, in addition, also wear them in their day to day. Ensures extra support thanks to its low-cut design.

Buy them here from 92.36 euros.

ADIDAS GAZELLES

This model has always been characterized by the type of materials with which it is made. The one used in the lining, suede, and the one used for the three iconic strips that characterize the German brand, leather. Together with the Adam Smith, the Superstar and the Samba, the most emblematic Adidas shoe quartet, whose main objective is far from achieving impossible sporting goals, but rather providing the wearer with convenience and comfort, and his own style, completes the Adam Smith, the Superstar and the Samba. urban and timeless.

Buy them here from 34.29 euros.

EVERLAST P00001078

Despite being named with such an unattractive numbering, this sports boot model is absolutely recognizable, both for the brand it is, and for its own design. Both are linked to the world of the Noble Art, and for a long time, they have been references among boxing fans, so fashionable in these times thanks, in part, to versions such as fitboxing. In particular, this contact sport has also taken to the streets through brands such as Leone 1947 or Boxeur Des Rues, which, in addition to taking over gym ticket offices, is also part of one of the current trends among the youngest. Everlast is also one of them, and its shoe models, too.

Buy this model from 59.89 euros.

AIR JORDAN

We are facing one of the most legendary sporting successes in history. The one who united Michael Jordan with Nike to create a shoe as iconic as the player who wore it on his feet. Today it is a franchise in itself and is as successful or even more successful than Nike itself. There are infinite models, designed by the brilliant Tinker Hatfield and Jordan himself, but perhaps the most iconic is the first model, the one that came onto the market when a young New Yorker from Brooklyn, coming from North Carolina and number 3 in the Draft, signed for Chicago Bulls and by Nike. The rest is history.

Buy them here from 110.90 euros.

ADIDAS CHAOS TENNIS

Few sports are as demanding as tennis at a muscular level and that require appropriate footwear depending on the surface where it is played. How many times do we see tennis players slipping on the brick dust of Roland Garros or slipping on the Wimbledon grass because their shoes don't have a good grip? Therefore, the support in this specific type of shoe is key for them to be useful. This professional use, as occurs in the technological advances of F1, has passed to asphalt, specifically, to the sidewalks of the street. It is not uncommon to see multiple models of sneakers, like this one from Adidas for example, which is made up of a cushioning Cloudfoam midsole, a soft leather upper with suede linings and a rubber sole with a textile inner lining.

Buy them here from 159.96 euros.

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR

There will be almost as many models as the number of years they have been an icon in the world of sports footwear. The mythical Chuck Taylor can change color, last or platform, but they continue to maintain their original essence and, no matter how many years go by, their success and recognition remain valid. Its origins, like many other models, are located in basketball, but they soon made the leap to the street as part of multiple urban movements, young and brimming with freedom. The equation is simple: canvas and rubber, a pair of crossed laces, and off you go, never better said. This particular model has a 2 cm heel height and a canvas platform.

Buy them here from 70 euros.

SAGUARO BAREFOOT

Another model indicated to make the leap to the countryside, or rather to the mountains (when the starting gun is fired and you can go out into the street), is this one from Saguaro. The brand has been characterized by proposing minimalist footwear for athletes who have no problem trying new things and products. However, and as Arturo Casado himself has recognized, "although there are people who have successfully adapted to this type of shoe, I'm afraid they are very few. They are fine for walking or running for 5 minutes on the grass but they can be very harmful," he warns. Still, you can be one of those few and you can do well. It's all a matter of testing. This Barefoot model is indicated to face trail tests. Its composition is synthetic; The rubber outsole; and can be used in tests involving water.

Buy it here from 32.99 euros.

MERRELL RANGE LACELESS AC+

It is one of the most comfortable versions of the Merrell factory. Without laces and provided with a three-way stretch knit fabric, it is the epitome of traditional comfort that this brand infers to its sneakers. From the toe to the heel with the latest cushioning technology. It has an EVA rubber insole, and a conditioned sole to improve grip. In addition, its design is extremely attractive and ready for any type of adventure, be it urban or offroad.

Buy them here from 104.48 euros.

UNDER ARMOR UA GS JET

This American firm has always been linked to demanding sports practices. Especially to strength training distributed in series. Characters like Dwayne La Roca Johnson have been an image for a long time. But his link with the sport goes further, creating trends even on the basketball courts and rivaling such unbeatable coalitions as Nike and Michael Jordan. So much so that Under Armor is the one who supplies Stephen Curry with shoes, whose relationship began in 2013. Since then, it is not strange to see, although in Spain it does not enjoy the same popularity, how this brand is gradually entering the courts with models like this one, unisex and aimed at a young audience.

Buy your pair here from 33 euros.

PUMA RS-X3 AFROBEAT

Although it seems that it has always been the third brand in contention, always behind Nike and Adidas, it cannot be denied that Puma has a good number of copies that have created trends and styles over time. Little can be added to how legendary the Puma Suede are, thanks to its link with the Black Power of Mexico 66. However, and despite the fact that its origin is also German (its creator, Rudi Dassler was Adi's older brother Dassler, the founder of Adidas), has always had a strong link with ethnicity and its Afro cultural roots.

After all, one of its greatest advertising exponents in sports is still Usain Bolt. This is demonstrated by models like this one from the RS line, which is inspired by the important place the brand occupies in African football culture.

Buy it here from 109.91 euros.

NIKE CORTEZ

In the 70s they became the paradigm of sports shoes for training. Its popularity spread rapidly, among other things, because it was the direct creation of Nike founder Bill Bowerman. They are comfortable, made of leather and fabric, and perfectly adaptable to any type of athletic discipline. And as a sample of how linked they are with running and how resistant they are, serve the use that Tom Hanks gives them in Forrest Gump. A true emblem of the sport that also took to the streets in the 90s.

Buy them here from 65.95 euros.

SALOMON XA PRO 3D GTX W

Few can doubt the high fidelity of the Salomon brand in any scenario, however abrupt it may be. Their quality always gives the chest and they remain firm in the face of any adversity on the field. They are one of those brands that many pay attention to when they have offroad projects, which go a little further than simple hiking; that require a little more physical presence; and that urge whoever wears them to be aware of where they put their foot. This model, for example, is focused on trail running and guarantees the best response regardless of the surface that is going to be faced.

Buy it here from 86.99 euros.

UGG NEUTRAL

They are, according to the brand itself, its most popular sneakers of the entire season. They have a robust outer sole and a stylish neoprene profile in which the UGG logo stands out. From the firm they advise you how to combine them: "either with sportswear or with a lace jumpsuit". The insole is made of EVA rubber and high-performance foam with a leather lining. But the best and most characteristic of this model is hidden in the sole, thanks to its composition based on the Treadlite by UGG system, from which four basic concepts of this model are optimized: cushioning, traction, durability and flexibility.

Buy them here from 94.98 euros.

SAUCONY JAZZ ORIGINAL VINTAGE

This Saucony signature model is an example that retro and vintage are more fashionable than ever. Its classic lines and its synthetic, canvas and rubber materials give it a style of its own that is very much in use by this brand that, little by little, is managing to make a name for itself in the world of footwear linked to sports, and that does not have to serve exclusively for your practice. Some users who have bought it from Amazon state that they have a rocking effect and that, once used, it is a very comfortable model, especially for urban use.

Buy them here from 43.10 euros.

REEBOK FREESTYLE CLASSIC

The 80s were a boom for domestic sports, thanks in part to the videos where international stars taught aerobics and fitness classes on a delayed basis. Jane Fonda was one of them, and she also popularized the use of a type of shoe that, to this day, is still valid. The Reebok Freestyle model, with leather outer materials and fabric lining, made its comfort and lightness favoring a type of exercise where mobility is everything.

Buy them here from 39.56 euros.